Controversial Site Selections Made by UNESCO in 2017

Controversial Site Selections Made by UNESCO in 2017

by Amy Lignor

It is a fact that each year hundreds of sites – from towering castles to ancient ruins to recently discovered tombs – want to earn the badge of being a UNESCO world heritage site. Not only does the umbrella of UNESCO earn them pride, but it also earns them more money in tourist dollars as well as gives that site protection so that it can never be damaged or destroyed. It is not easy to get accepted by UNESCO – there are a number of rules that must be met and strict guidelines for the site when it comes to preservation. But, to most, earning the designation is worth the work.

For 2017, UNESCO has picked 21 new sites to protect, yet some of these sites come with controversy. There are even some that feel being a part of UNESCO will actually hinder them or put their site in jeopardy, citing the fact that tourists visiting them could cause them to suffer. Others, of course, are jumping for joy that UNESCO has decided to handpick them from an ever-growing list of locations, pointing them out to the world as being remarkable for their cultural significance as well as their natural beauty.

Ahmedabad

In India, the 15th century city of Ahmadabad has become a UNESCO site in 2017. This walled city, founded by Sultan Ahmad Shah, is what an archaeologist would call a thrilling experience. The architecture of the city is amazing, most notable is the Bhadra citadel, the walls and gates of the city, and the large number of tombs and mosques that dot the landscape. Even after six centuries, this city continues to flourish.

However, when it comes to a highly controversial decision, it is the largest and highest plateau in the world, China’s Hoh Xil nature reserve that garnered headlines just a few weeks ago. Although Qinghai Province is now a UNESCO natural heritage site, pro-Tibet activists had been trying to halt that from happening. The Hoh Xil nature reserve, located on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, is home to over 200 animal species. More than 20 of them are state-protected, including the Tibetan antelope. But the International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) advocacy group warned that giving Hoh Xil heritage status could have consequences for Tibet that include tourists causing the rapid decline of these species. Even though they are state protected, the fear is that some could certainly switch to the endangered list at the hands of mankind. It is possible that security will have to be placed her, considering the many countries that are already fighting battles like these as they watch their unique species disappear because of poaching.

Another controversial selection is the island of Okinoshima, Japan. With this, UNESCO chose a sacred site that only 200 men can visit once a year, and only after purifying themselves with sea water. Women are completely prohibited from entering. The shrine that’s located here was established in the mid-17th century. Prior to the shrine’s establishment as a sacred natural site, the surroundings served as a location for the worship of the kami. Although the island gained UNESCO World Heritage site status just recently, local residents still express their fear about what that designation will bring. Tourism will increase which, according to the citizens, threatens the sacredness of the location. It has already been stated, by Takayuki Ashizu, the chief priest at Munakata Taisha, that being placed on the UNESCO cultural heritage list changes nothing – they will not open it to the public whatsoever.

One selection, however, that has made everyone happy occurred just this past week. An archaeological site that is going to make everyone’s travel bucket list in the future has become part of UNESCO. Yet another sacred zone, this one welcomes tourists as well as tourist dollars. Sambor Prei Kuk in Cambodia (AKA: “the temple in the richness of the forest”) is a remnant of the Chenla Empire that reigned supreme in the 6th and 7th centuries, making it one of Cambodia’s oldest temple cities. Even though tourists rarely ever came here, the UNESCO badge changes all of that, and boy is it stunning. A sprawling complex of one hundred temples scattered over nearly 1,400 hectares of forest, rice paddies and marshlands on the west bank of the Sen River, the unique architecture includes guardian lions and a whole lot more. Thousands celebrated the listing of Sambo Prei Kuk as a world heritage site on Monday, and with 5.5 million tourists expected to visit the country this year, this is one location that will soon thrive.

So the debate continues. UNESCO has certainly done wonders for the “wonders of the world” that were both famous and not so famous. Their work keeps these locations preserved and protected, as well as introduces them to the international map so that tourists can help the location as well as the citizens. However, there are those that wish their sites to remain undiscovered, without all the hype. It will be interesting to see how those controversial picks do in the coming years.

The outdoor enthusiast finally has a rugged, waterproof option when it comes to high-quality stereo sound. With built-in Bluetooth audio streaming, AM/FM radio and USB audio playback, STEREOACTIVE is packed with features. Engineered in New Zealand, the new compact system is designed for the challenges of life on the water or exposure to the elements and tuned to deliver crystal clear audio that enhances any activity. Featuring the unique Puck mount system, users can easily and securely attach the stereo to any surface, such as an RV exterior, cooler, outdoor cooking space, paddleboard, kayak, canoe, boat or even hot tub. To keep valuables safe from the elements, FUSION has also offered the ACTIVESAFE which, when combined with STEREOACTIVE, will securely house any smartphone, vehicle keys, bank cards, or loose change.

Virtually every angler on the water these days is well aware that boat docks hold bass throughout the year. However, not all anglers approach dock fishing with the correct tackle and strategy to make the most of their time on the water. Fine-tuning your approach by reaching all fish-holding zones and identifying patterns can definitely lead to higher catch rates and bigger fish. Read More…
Learn More at Z Man Fishing

After the Strike World record-holders will quickly agree there is much more to skilled angling than simply finding and hooking a fish. The battle, especially with large, powerful game fish, Read More…
Visit Yamaha Outboards.com

Take the Trip of a Life Time
Take a short drive south of New Orleans, and you come to the southernmost point in Louisiana. It’s Venice and being at the end of the road is just the beginning of your trip for world-class yellowfin tuna fishing
Visit Home Run Charters

Live bait rigged to stay on or near the surface is enticing as well. Predators push bait to the top during an attack, so a nervous morsel suspended under a kite, balloon or cork is always easy pickings. Baits hooked through the nose, or dorsal fin will stay near the surface whereas those hooked in the stomach or lower tail tend to swim downward. Trolled baits and lures serve the same purpose. The combination of splashing and bubbles, often in conjunction with teasers, help draw the game fish into the surface strike zone Read More…